Business & Tech
Sweetleaf Boutique Adjusts to the Changing Economy
A local business works to keep customers coming in despite tough economic times.
The owners of in Setauket have changed its prices to accommodate their customers in a changing economy.
“In the six years we’ve been open, we’ve dropped our prices to where our absolute lowest then, is our absolute highest now,” co-owner Kelli Melucci said. “We wanted to make it more affordable but still keep the quality.”
In addition to slashing their prices, Melucci said Sweetleaf Boutique has switched to selling more American-made products and more 100 percent cotton clothing. Items that are still on the higher end of prices are there only because they are American-made rather than imported. The changes are largely in response to a demand from customers, according to co-owner Livia Cooper.
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“We decided we weren’t going to give up and so we adjusted prices and considered what people would actually spend money on around here,” Melucci said.
The store, which has been serving Setauket since 2006, sells clothing and a variety of accessories including handbags, scarves and jewelry. The family-owned store is one of two Sweetleaf Boutique locations started by Livia Cooper and her two daughters, Kelli Melucci and Randi Vogel. In addition to the immediate family they have amongst themselves, the owners have made a new family out of the local stores that surround them.
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“It’s like a family here and we all support each other," Cooper said. “We try not to buy things to sell that other local stores are selling because we want to support all of the local businesses."
Sweetleaf Boutique also takes advantage of the opportunities to give back to the community through charities and donations. With the community playing such a big role in the store, the Melucci and Cooper said they have realized the significance of giving back to the community. As longtime local residents, Cooper and Melucci are set on keeping the business family-oriented and geared towards satisfying the requests of the community.
“If you’re looking for reasons we’re still here," Melucci said, "'A,' we don't want to give up and 'B,' someone has to stay open, so it might as well be us."
